Taunting Callum (Big Sky Royal 3)
“I was there when this one was born,” she confirms.
Mary’s been a second mother to my siblings and me. We adore her.
“Well, then, I’m sure I have a million questions for you,” Aspen says.
“Mary, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to my fiancée, Aspen Calhoun.”
“You’re just lovely,” Mary says and then takes Aspen’s shoulders in her hands. “I just know we’re going to be fast friends. I’m here to help, to teach you, and to assist with anything you might need. But first, I’m going to start a nice hot shower for you, and then we’ll get you nice and comfortable for a long nap. You’ve had a long journey.”
Aspen glances back at me with surprised eyes. “Where will you be?”
“I’ll be here,” I assure her. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Mary whisks her away to fuss over her, the way she fussed over the rest of us all of our lives, and I wander through my flat. The kitchen is freshly stocked with my favorite things. I have two bedrooms and three bathrooms in my six-thousand-square-foot place, along with a lap pool, a media room, and an office.
It’s too much space for me, but it’s the smallest flat in the palace.
I wander into the guest bathroom since Mary and Aspen are currently using the master, and take a hot shower of my own, changing into sweats and a T-shirt after. When I walk back into the living room, I find my gorgeous fiancée sitting on the sofa.
“Where’s Mary?” I ask.
“She said she’d be back later after we’ve had time to rest. I didn’t realize it’s barely noon.”
“Jet lag is a bugger.” I pull her to her feet, but when she simply shuffles after me, I lift her into my arms and carry her into my bedroom. “Do you know how many times I’ve daydreamed about having you in my bed?”
“No.”
I smile and kiss her pouty lips. “I lost count. When you were in this house last year for the wedding, I had to stop myself from abducting you from your room and hauling you back here, caveman-style.”
“I wouldn’t have enjoyed it nearly as much then as I would now.”
I tuck her under the covers and climb in beside her. “And now you’re here with me.”
“Hmm.” She turns around so she can bury her face in my chest whilst she sleeps. “And when I wake up, I’m going to seduce you in your bed.”
“I’ll hold you to that, love.”* * *“Callum.”
I can tell by the sound of her voice that I’m in trouble. I just have no idea what on earth for.
“Yes?”
“Can you come in here, please?”
I join Aspen in the walk-in closet that is exclusively hers and raise a brow. “Yes?”
“Why do I have a closet full of clothes here? A closet the size of my first apartment, I might add.”
“I didn’t know you lived in a studio apartment.”
“This is more the size of a two-bedroom, and you’re changing the subject. Why do I have all of this?”
“Because when I called ahead and told the staff we were coming, they set this all into motion.”
“Why? What’s wrong with my clothes?”
“Nothing, but you don’t have enough of them. The same was done for Nina when she came to the palace.”
“I don’t understand.”
I pull my mobile out of my pocket and FaceTime my sister-in-law.
“This is a nice surprise,” Nina says when she answers. “Are you having a wonderful trip?”
“We are, thank you for asking. But Aspen is concerned about the clothes that have been made for her—”
“Made for me?”
“—and I was hoping you could have a word with her.”
“Of course. Put her on.”
I pass the cell to Aspen, who immediately starts asking questions.
“Nina, what in the hell? I don’t need all of this. We’re only here for a few days. And how did they know my size?”
“Okay, friend, take a deep breath,” Nina interrupts. “First of all, you do need them, and more. Congratulations, by the way.”
“Thanks.”
“You’ll attend events that you need to be dressed appropriately for. I know you’re drop-dead gorgeous in your jeans and T-shirts, but that won’t fly when you’re appearing in an official capacity. You need suits. Also, pants aren’t really acceptable.”
Aspen’s eyes narrow on mine. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that when you’re in public, you have to wear skirts or dresses.”
“Like hell.”
“Hey, I don’t make the rules. Privately, you can wear whatever you want.”
“Gee, thanks.”
I shrug and smile as Aspen continues peppering Nina with questions.
“Why didn’t anyone warn me?”
“Think about it, Aspen,” Nina says. “Have you ever seen Ellie or me in jeans when we’re being photographed?”
“No, I guess not.”
“Trust me, the clothes are the best you can buy. They’re gorgeous and will fit you like a glove. And don’t even get me started on the shoes. I’m getting all hot and bothered.”
Aspen laughs, and I feel my stomach loosen.